After suffering a devastating knee injury in Week 4 last season, Tyreek Hill’s potential return is getting closer to reality. But where will Hill’s return be?
Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, gave an update on Hill’s recovery and revealed that a deal could happen at any time in an interview with WSVNconfirming that they remain in active talks with several interested teams.
“I think it’s very fluid,” Rosenhaus said. “I think a deal could happen at any time. We’re looking for the right situation. The right contract. The right team. The right fit and the right approach from a medical point of view.
Finding the right situation remains the top priority for Hill and his camp.
“Tyreek is feeling really good health-wise,” Rosenhause said. “I said last week that I thought a deal (with a team) could happen at any time, but in the NFL it’s really day-to-day. We’re still working to find the right situation.”
Given Hill’s track record around the league, Rosenhaus argues that he shouldn’t be viewed as a standard midseason signing. Instead, he likens his addition to a blockbuster deadline deal, which provides immediate, high-level impact without forcing a team to surrender draft assets.
“So look at Tyreek as similar to the guys that get traded in the middle of the season, (who) can really come in and help a team in the second half of the year,” Rosenhaus said. “He can help a team progress to the next level.”
If you’re wondering if Hill could end up with your favorite team, here are the key checkpoints Rosenhaus has in place for his next destination:
Super Bowl contender
Tyreek Hill is looking to win his second Super Bowl. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
If Hill is signed midseason, all signs from Rosenhaus point to him joining a Super Bowl contender. While some teams have areas of need, Hill’s prior familiarity with Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes could make him a fit.
Broad recipient need
Tyreek Hill has proven for most of his career that he can be a WR1. (Photo by Kara Durrete/Getty Images)
Rosenhaus clarified that Hill is looking for a strong receiver and a team with a clear need at the position. Given the recent injuries to Rashee Rice in Kansas City and DJ Moore in Buffalo, both top contenders could be seen as logical landing spots.
Strong QB play
Tyreek Hill has primarily played strong quarterback for most of his career. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
At 32, Hill wants to play with a Super Bowl contender with a proven quarterback without question. Mahomes and Allen make more sense as landing spots, but the 49ers could be in the conversation with how well Brock Purdy has played.
With Ricky Pearsall out for the season, Deebo Samuel sidelined with a hamstring problem and Mike Evans dealing with nagging injuries, there could be a potential need.
The right contract
Tyreek Hill has been among the league’s highest-paid wide receivers for most of his career. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Rosenhaus made it clear that Hill will not receive a league minimum deal and wants a fair contract based on his proven track record, despite his injury history. If the 49ers want to pursue him, they are in a great position as they currently have the most cap space in the NFL.
According to watchdogThe 49ers lead the league with $47.18 million in available cap space, while the Chiefs rank last at just $2.67 million. The Bills are also near the low end at $4.70 million, which could make the 49ers a uniquely attractive destination for Hill.
To conclude his interview, Rosenhaus addressed Hill’s health and availability. He said that while Hill is close to 100 percent, it will ultimately be up to an interested team to bring him in and judge his readiness for themselves.
“Health-wise, he’s 100 percent ready to go,” Rosenhaus said. I mean, I don’t know that he’s 100 percent today, but he’s close and he’ll get there very soon. I think that’s probably something you have to wait until he goes out and practices, but he’s really there.”
